New Specialist Training Programme Launched to Equip Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin Third Sector Leaders for the Future

19th October 2026

A major new leadership initiative designed to strengthen and sustain local charities, Community Interest Companies (CICs), and social enterprises has officially launched across the region.

The Third Sector Skills Programme 2027, fully funded by Shropshire Growth Hub and Telford & Wrekin Council, offers a free, high-impact five-part workshop series aimed at upskilling grassroots leaders to build resilient, self-sustaining community organisations.

Building on the success of a 2025 pilot delivered by Mark Harris and a team of specialists, the expanded 2027 initiative addresses the growing economic, regulatory, and operational challenges facing third-sector leaders. Running from January through March 2027, the series brings together top industry experts to deliver practical, actionable training in marketing, grant funding, legal governance, charity finance, HR, and strategic scaling.

Every workshop is created and facilitated by industry experts who bring specialist knowledge directly to third-sector leaders. Across five sessions, participants will learn storytelling and campaign strategy from Ruth Martin (Martin & Jones Marketing) and Alex Burrows (AB Creative); bid writing from the Shropshire Community Foundation; legal compliance and trustee management from Victoria Handbury-Madin (VHM Charity Consultancy); non-profit finance and HR standards from Sally Youngman (TCA Accountants) and Sarah Hooper (THRIVE HR UK); and change management and growth from executive coach Michelle Jehu (Square Peg Coaching).

"Small charities, CICs, and social enterprise form the vital backbone of our local social infrastructure, yet they face unprecedented pressure in today's climate," said Councillor Ollie Vickers, Cabinet Member for Transport & The Economy at Telford & Wrekin Council.

Anna Sadler from Shropshire Growth Hub explained, "By investing directly in leadership skills and bringing in field-leading specialists, this programme ensures our grassroots organisations have the skills, financial resilience, and governance needed to continue delivering essential services across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin."

Applications are now open. Leaders interested in securing a place for their organisation can apply online at https://mailchi.mp/martinandjonesmarketing/third-sector-2027